Created in May 2021, the ABES Working Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI) aims to bring together members around the subject, helping to organize information that supports ABES' work with R&D entities, government agencies and society. . Companies with different profiles participate in the GT, including AI developers and user companies.
The Group's online meetings had several interactions between members of the academy, authorities and guests from other entities. “We have extremely satisfactorily evaluated the progress of the work in this short period of time, both for the representation achieved with the associates, and for the role played in political, business and civil society bodies”, highlights Loren Spíndola, leader of the WG together with Eduardo Paranhos.
International debate on AI regulation
Several countries have adopted national AI strategies, which act as a catalyst for internal debates around regulation. In addition, there are international and supranational organizations, notably UNESCO, GPAI, and the European Union itself. “In fact, Europe’s proposal for a directive to regulate AI has been the subject of deep debate within the bloc, in addition to serving as an international reference on the subject – both in aspects seen as positive, and in relation to points that still need to be addressed. be improved”, explains Eduardo.
Approval of the Legal Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Brazil
The Legal Framework approved in the Chamber must be analyzed by the Federal Senate, where the legislative proposal of the House's own initiative is also being processed. “We believe that there is consensus on the importance of a more in-depth debate so that the progress of votes takes into account expectations on the subject. We hope that this effort will result in the maintenance of a principled structure that works to guide the different nuances of AI, in relation to its development and use, without stifling entrepreneurship and technological innovation”, completes Eduardo.
Perspectives of the Brazilian Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (EBIA)
“We positively evaluate EBIA's progress due to the inclusive and democratic way in which its governance team brought together several entities, including ABES, to collaborate and build together a plan that adheres to the country's profile”, ponders Loren.
In the opinion of the WG leaders, EBIA's advances were notable on two main fronts: (1) the formation of a cohesive governance group, legitimized by the plurality of participation; and (2) review of the actions initially compiled, allowing the development of implementation plans for the next biennium.
AI WG priorities in 2022
For the year, the WG will continue to represent the technology sector, maximizing the unique profile of ABES' membership. The main fronts of action can be summarized in: (1) consolidation of the WG as the main forum for qualified discussions on AI, either in its monthly meetings or through events with Brazilian and foreign leaders on the subject; (2) continuity of coordination of Axis 1 of the EBIA and collaboration with the other axes, as part of a Federal Government initiative; and (3) protagonism in the legislative debate, through constructive engagement in the processing of bills.
Last December, ABES signed together with other entities in the sector - Abinee, Abria, Abpti, Câmara e.net, IPD Eletron, i2Ai, Lawgorithm, MBC and Zetta -, in addition to the Joint Parliamentary Front for Artificial Intelligence and the Joint Parliamentary Front of Science, Technology, Research and Innovation, an Open Letter in defense of the legislative federalization of Artificial Intelligence. The manifesto's objective is to defend that legislation and guidelines on AI be built at the federal level, allowing different regions to develop solutions in an isonomic and integrated way, ensuring legal certainty and unique rules for the entire national territory.
